Town News Briefing

BRISTOL -- The city is planning another ceremony in which medals will be distributed to local combat veterans, possibly on Memorial Day.

``The first veterans medal award event went off in a spectacular fashion,'' Mayor William Stortz said in a statement Wednesday about last weekend's ceremony. ``The event was a resounding success.''

More than 250 veterans applied for medals and received them in a ceremony attended by various state and local officials. Stortz said he has decided to keep the Mayor's Veterans' Medal Ceremony Committee in place to start preparations for the next ceremony.

``We will work to assure that all veterans are aware of the procedures so that as many as possible can receive their medal,'' he said.

State residents who served in the armed forces for 90 days or more during a war or conflict can qualify for this medal. In addition, applicants must be current or former Bristol residents. Call the 860-584-6250 for details, or request a registration form by e-mail from mayorsoffice@ci.bristol.ct.us.

The registrars will hear requests from voters who have been removed from the list and wish to be restored. Voter registration applications can be sent to residents on request. Details are available at the registrars' office at 860-584-6165.

PLAINVILLE

Colapietro-Bobroske

Debate Scheduled

PLAINVILLE -- State Sen. Thomas Colapietro, D-Bristol, and challenger Beverly Bobroske are scheduled to debate on Nutmeg Television on Wednesday, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Tom Monahan, political reporter for WVIT-TV, Channel 30, will be the moderator.

The exchange between Colapietro, a Democrat, and Bobroske, a Republican, will take place in Nutmeg Television's studios and will be shown live on Nutmeg channels 5 and 21. It will be rebroadcast on Nov. 1 from 7 to 8 p.m.

BRISTOL

American Legion Post

To Install Officers

BRISTOL -- The American Legion's Seicheprey Post 2 will install officers on Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 4 p.m.

The organization will honor past commanders and its police officer of the year.

NEW BRITAIN

Pedaling For Pathways

Aids Youth Program

NEW BRITAIN -- The 8th Annual Pedaling for Pathways Bike/Walk-a-thon will be held Oct. 15 at Walnut Hill Park.

This event is the fundraiser for the Pathways/Senderos program, which serves youngsters in the Arch Street neighborhood and is a local and national model for teen pregnancy prevention programs.

About 50 inner-city pre-teens and teens come to the center at 100 Arch St. after school and during the summer for tutoring, access to computers, learning job skills, doing homework and having fun.

The event begins at 9 a.m. with the 25-mile bike ride, and at 10 a.m., 5- and 10-mile rides and the walk around the park will begin. The starting location is behind the band shell in Walnut Hill Park.

The $20, non-refundable registration fee may be paid in advance or at the event. Prizes will be raffled to participants who donate $50 or more.

NEW BRITAIN -- The New Britain Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and the New Britain Police Department are collecting cash donations for their annual Thanksgiving holiday food basket drive.

Food baskets will be distributed to New Britain families through designated social service agencies.

Any group or business that would like to contribute should contact Officer Carol Zesut, New Britain Police Department, at 860-826-3081. Checks may be made out to LAOH, 39 South St., New Britain, CT 06051.

NEW BRITAIN

Free Screening Aims

To Find Disabilities

NEW BRITAIN -- The school system's special-education department will conduct free screening and evaluations of children between preschool age (ages 3 to 5) and Grade 5 (approximately ages 9 and 10) who may have a disability.